BR102018070952A2 - PRODUCT, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS, AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A PRODUCT - Google Patents

Abstract

a product made using a mass comprising natural polymers, wherein the product comprises at least a first and a second product part, connected by a hinge construction, wherein the hinge construction comprises at least one flexible blade member and a bridge portion produced from said mass comprising natural polymers, wherein the joint construction is designed such that, prior to a first joint, the at least one bridge portion forms a more rigid connection between the first and the second product parts than the flexible blade element and by means of the hinge, said bridge portion is cut so that the first and second parts are substantially only connected by or each flexible strip.

Description

PRODUCT, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS, AND, APPARATUS FOR FORMING A PRODUCT [001] The invention relates to a product manufactured with the use of a mass comprising natural polymers comprising at least one first and second parts of product, connected each other for an articulation construction. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a method for forming such a product.

[002] The document US5376320 discloses an articulable product that comprises a first part of product and a second part of product, connected to the first part by an articulation. Said articulation is formed by a flexible strip that bridges the first and second separate product parts. In an apparatus for forming such a product, two separate mold cavities are provided, with a separation wall between them. Each cavity has at least one injection opening. During production, a label is placed on top of said partition wall, and folded over opposite edges of said partition wall. A closure mold part is placed on and within said mold cavities, at the same time securing the label between the top of said separation wall and the closure mold part. When the product is formed and removed from the mold, the product part can be folded on top of the other by folding the label part that extends between said first and second product parts.

[003] WO 00/39214 discloses articulating products such as mollusk shells, manufactured using a mass of natural polymers formed in a mold. In these products, a joint is formed by the mass comprising the natural polymers, through the local influence of the material composition of the product, so that material properties of the relevant part deviate from the material properties of adjacent parts.

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 45/81 / 21 [004] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative articulable product manufactured using natural polymers. An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an articulable product that is easy to manufacture. An object of the present disclosure is to provide the product that is easy to handle, especially after molding the product. An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method for forming a product articulable using natural polymers. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for forming articulable products using natural polymers, especially for forming such products. An objective of the present disclosure is to provide packaging that has articulable parts, manufactured using natural polymers, which can be easily manipulated during product packaging.

[005] At least one of these or other objectives individually or in a combination can be obtained with a product, method and / or apparatus according to the disclosure.

[006] In one aspect, a product according to the present disclosure can be manufactured using a mass comprising natural polymers, wherein the product comprises at least a first and a second product part, connected by a construction of articulation. The hinge construction comprises at least one flexible blade element, such as, for example, a strip, and a bridge portion produced from said mass which comprises natural polymers. The hinge construction is designed so that, before a first hinge of the first and second product parts in relation to each other, the at least one bridge portion forms a more rigid connection between the first and second product parts than the flexible blade element or elements and by articulating the first part with respect to the second part for the first time that said bridge portion is cut, for example, at least partially twisted, sheared and / or broken, so that the

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 46/81 / 21 first and second parts are substantially only connected to each other by that or any flexible blade element.

[007] In a product according to the disclosure preferably when the product is recovered from a mold in which it is formed, the jumper portion or portions form a relatively rigid connection between the first and second product parts, preferably at least rigid enough to prevent one part of the product from moving, especially turning, in relation to the other part of the product under the influence of gravity. This allows easy handling, for example, during demoulding, stacking, unstacking and handling during, for example, product filling. When the first product part is rotated in relation to the second product part after demoulding, on the pivotable construction, then the jumper portion will lose its stiffness, especially by means of cutting such as partial breaking, tearing and / or shearing, so that the first and second product parts are substantially only connected to each other by the flexible strip or by each flexible strip, allowing easy and repetitive articulation.

[008] In embodiments, the bridging portion or portions can be provided so that at least one flexible blade element, such as one or more strips, is covered at least partially on at least one surface by said mass forming the bridging portion. In the same or different embodiments, at least two flexible blade elements can be provided as strips, wherein the bridging portion is provided at least partially between said flexible blade elements and / or at least two portions can be provided bridging, wherein at least one flexible blade element, such as a strip, can be provided extending between said bridging portions.

[009] In one aspect, a method of revelation may comprise

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 47/81 / 21 introducing a mass that comprises at least natural polymers, such as starch, into a mold, in which the mass in the mold is heated, so that it involves at least the crosslinking of the natural polymers. The mold comprises at least two product part forming parts, connected by a bridging portion, in which at least one flexible blade element, such as a strip, is placed on and / or on said bridging portion , preferably before introducing said dough into said mold. Said at least one flexible blade element is placed so that it extends at least partially within the product forming parts on either side of the bridging portion and is connected to the mass introduced into the mold. The mold used is such that, during the introduction of the dough into the mold, at least part of the dough will flow over the jumper portion, over and / or beside said at least one flexible blade element, which forms at least least one bridge portion in the product.

[0010] In embodiments, the dough covers at least part of at least one surface of the flexible sheet element, which connects the product parts formed in said product part forming parts. Therefore, the bridging portion can form a layer on at least one surface of the flexible blade element.

[0011] In embodiments, the or each flexible blade element is attached to at least one and, preferably, a series of pins in and / or in said bridging portion, retaining the at least one flexible blade element in the position when putting the dough into the mold. In such embodiments, the or each flexible blade element is preferably attached to one or each pin so that, upon closing the mold, a surface of the flexible blade element is in contiguity with a mold face, so that the dough can only flow on an opposite surface of the relevant flexible blade element to form a portion of

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 48/81 / 21 bridge.

[0012] In embodiments, each of the mold parts can be designed to form a shell part, each having a first wall portion connected to the bridging portion, wherein the or each flexible blade element is placed inside and / or over the bridging portion, which has a longitudinal direction, in which side portions of the one or each flexible blade element are folded over wall portions of the relevant mold parts, each designed to form a surface portion part of a relevant product part formed therein.

[0013] In one aspect, an apparatus according to the disclosure may comprise a mold, wherein the mold comprises at least two product part forming parts, connected by a bridging portion. The apparatus comprises a blade system for placing at least one flexible blade element on and / or on said bridging portion, preferably before the introduction of said mass in said mold, wherein said at least one element of flexible blade extends at least partially in the product forming parts on either side of the bridging portion, to be connected to the mass introduced into the mold. Preferably, so that the dough covers at least part of at least one surface of the flexible sheet element, which connects the product parts formed in said product part forming parts and / or that the dough forms at least a portion of jumper adjacent to said at least one flexible blade element.

[0014] In order to further elucidate the present invention, the modalities of the same must be revealed and discussed below, with reference to the drawings. This shows schematically:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an articulated product modality, in the open position;

Figure 1A is a top view of a product of Figure 1;

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 49/81 / 21

Figure 2 is a product of Figure 1, in cross-sectional view along line II - II in Figure 1A;

Figure 3A is an enlarged view of a product articulation construction according to the disclosure, in a first embodiment, before a first articulation;

Figure 3B is an enlarged view of a product hinge construction according to the disclosure, as shown in Figure 3A, after a first hinge;

Figure 3C is the articulation construction of Figure 3A on an enlarged scale;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an articulable product, in the open position;

Figure 5 is the product of Figure 4, in the closed position;

Figure 6 is part of an apparatus for forming a product according to the disclosure, with an open mold and a blade system in a position that collects flexible blade elements;

Figures 7A and B are the apparatus of Figure 6, with the blade system in a position that collects flexible blade elements and places flexible blade elements in a mold, respectively;

Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mold part, showing a pin for retaining a flexible blade element;

Figure 8A is a flexible blade element, like a strip, attached to a pin;

Figures 9A to C are different modalities of alternative articulation constructions.

[0015] In this description, modalities of the invention are shown and revealed, by way of example only. These should in no way be interpreted or understood as limiting the scope of this

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 50/81 / 21 invention in any way. In this description, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same or similar reference signs. In this description, modalities of the present invention should be discussed with reference to natural starch-based polymers as natural polymers, by way of example only. Other natural polymers can also be used in such a mass, additional or as an alternative to starch.

[0016] In this disclosure, mainly the packaging products are described as examples of products according to the description. However, in addition, other articulable products are within the scope of the claims. In this disclosure, "articulation" is to be understood as including at least the rotation of a first part of product in relation to a second part of product connected thereto through an articulable construction, rotating especially around a line of rotation or a series of rotation lines provided by the articulating construction. Such a line of rotation can be a real line or an imaginary line, and it can be straight or curved. The hinge must at least be understood as including the movement of the first product part from a position substantially close to the second product part connected thereto by the pivotable construction to a position substantially on top of said second product part, by means of bending and / or folding a flexible blade element that connects the two parts of product.

[0017] In this disclosure, a packaging product should be understood as at least including, without limitation, a product in which other products can be packaged, for example, for storage, transportation and / or display. In the present disclosure, a product articulable as a packaging product can preferably be closed and opened several times without the first and second parts separating, since they will be kept together at least for at least

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 51/81 / 21 minus a flexible blade element, such as one or more flexible strips. [0018] In this disclosure, a blade should be understood as an element that has a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to it, and a thickness direction perpendicular to both the length and the width direction. A length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the width direction are substantially greater than the thickness in the thickness direction. A strip should be understood to at least mean, without limitation, a relatively flat narrow band of a flexible blade material, which has a longitudinal direction, and a width and thickness. The length in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width, measured in a wide direction when the strip is substantially flat. The thickness is less than the width. [0019] In this disclosure, flexible can be understood to mean that a flexible blade element, such as a strip, can be folded repeatedly at least in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at an angle of at least 45 degrees, preferably at least minus 90 degrees, for example, at least about 180 degrees, with a bending radius that is equal to or less than the width of the strip in a flat position. In this disclosure, a flexible blade material can be understood to mean that the blade material used in a hinge construction on a product according to the disclosure is more flexible than any bridging portion on the same product.

[0020] A flexible blade element such as a strip can be produced from any suitable material, such as paper, fabric, polymers and the like, and can be a single layer or a laminate. The material from which the blade element, such as a strip, is manufactured is preferably biodegradable, more preferably, biodegradable with the material of the product parts connected thereto. A flexible blade element such as a strip preferably has opposite surfaces, seen in the

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 52/81 / 21 thickness direction, in which at least one of said surfaces is suitable for adhering to the mass from which the product is formed, for example, to the natural polymers in the mass. In embodiments, the flexible blade material, such as a strip, can be porous or perforated to allow part of the mass to enter and / or pass through the blade material.

[0021] In this disclosure, a mass comprising natural polymers can be understood as at least including, without limitation, a batter or suspension comprising natural polymers, such as, without limitation, starch or tapioca, wherein the mass preferably contains water, so that the dough is fluidizable before heating and will allow gelatinization and crosslinking of natural polymers in said dough during heating in a mold. Examples of suitable masses are disclosed, for example, in WO2004 / 033179, US5376320, WO00 / 39214 and WO96 / 30186, all incorporated by reference for disclosing such masses, as suspensions, which comprise natural polymers suitable for products mold makers according to this disclosure.

[0022] In the present disclosure, the apparatus, including molds, will be described to form products according to the disclosure. In the examples, closed molds are mainly discussed, in which the mass comprising natural polymers can be injected under pressure, and can be heated in order to obtain at least the crosslinking of natural polymers in the mass. Such molds and mold systems are, for example, disclosed in WO2004 / 033179, US5376320, WO00 / 39214 and WO96 / 30186, all of which are incorporated by reference to reveal molding apparatus for molding masses based on natural polymer, such as Paperfoam®, a product material manufactured by Paperfoam, Barneveld, The Netherlands. However, products according to the present disclosure can also be formed, for example, using a method as disclosed,

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 53/81 / 21 in different systems and molding apparatus, for example, in molds in which the mass is introduced without pressure and is compressed through the mold cavity or cavities by closing the mold. Such molding systems are, for example, known from US4417508, by Franz Haas.

[0023] In the molding apparatus modalities as discussed hereinafter by way of example, a mold is shown which has mold cavities for simultaneously forming two products. However, it will be evident that, in addition, other numbers of mold cavities can be supplied, such as to form one or more than two products in a molding cycle.

[0024] In modalities of a manufacturing method and apparatus according to the disclosure as will be discussed below, the or each flexible blade element is placed in the mold, so that it is adhered to the product or at least integrated into the product during molding . However, it is also possible to adhere a flexible blade element to the product, as an intermediate product, after molding, for example, by using an adhesive, preferably a non-toxic adhesive, more preferably, a biodegradable adhesive , for example, a starch-based adhesive, so that the blade element connects the first and second parts of product.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an articulable product 1, in perspective view, which, in this modality only as an example, is shown as an egg carton. Product 1 comprises a first product part 2, connected to a second product part 3 by a hinge construction 4, as will be discussed. The first and second product parts 2, 3 can both be substantially wrap-around, having one or more relatively thin walls that define a volume within such part 2, 3. By closing the product 1, such volumes

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 54/81 / 21 together will form a confined volume with such a product 1.

[0026] The first part of product 2 in the form of Figures 1,

1A and 2 comprise receiving spaces 5 for eggs (not shown) which can be defined in said spaces 5 in a known manner. The spaces 5 are provided in two parallel rows 6, in this modality, each row 6 comprises six of these spaces 5. Between the two rows 6, two pillars 7 are provided, extending above the spaces 5, suitable to support the second part 3 when product 1 is closed. The second part 3 is designed with a cover. The first part 2 has a first edge 8 opposite the hinge construction 4, while the second part 3 has a second edge 9 opposite the hinge construction 4. The first edge 8 comprises first locking elements 10, while the second edge 9 comprises second locking elements 11, so that, in the closed position of the packaging product 1, the first and second locking elements 10, 11 can mutually engage to releasably lock the first and second parts 2, 3 in the closed position.

[0027] Product 1 is produced from a mass comprising natural polymers, such as starch, which has been heated to allow the natural polymers to cross-link, and to allow part of a liquid fraction of the mass to evaporate, providing a structure of relatively rigid foam wall. The product is formed into a mold, preferably with the use of a closed mold in which the mass is injected under pressure.

[0028] The articulation construction 4 comprises, as can also be seen, for example, in Figures 2 and 3, at least one flexible blade element 12 or a series of such elements 12, and a bridge portion 13 or a series of bridge portions 13. The or each flexible blade element 12 is connected to the first and second parts of product 2, 3. The or each bridge portion 13 is also connected to the first and second parts of

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 55/81 / 21 product 2, 3, and is produced from a mass comprising natural polymers which are cross-linked. Preferably, the one or each bridge portion 13, which can also be called bridge element 13, forms a single piece with and has the same mass as the first and second product parts 2, 3.

[0029] The or each bridge portion 13 is preferably less flexible than the or each flexible blade element 12, so that, when the second product part 3 is hinged, on the hinged construction 4, on the first product part 2, to close product 1, especially as a packaging product 1, the or each flexible blade element 12 is flexed and / or bent, while the one or each bridge portion is cut, for example, broken , sheared and / or twisted, at least to the extent that it significantly reduces the stiffness of such a jumper portion 13, preferably breaking to one or each jumper portion 13, so that the first and the second product parts 2, 3 are thereafter only connected together by one or each flexible blade element 12. The flexible blade element or elements 12 after cutting the bridging portion or portions 13 allow repeated articulation of the second of the product part 3 in relation to the first product part 2, whereas, before cutting said bridging portion or portions 13, such articulation is substantially impeded by the rigidity of one or each bridging portion 13.

[0030] Figure 3A shows a cross section of an articulable construction 4 between a first part of product 2 and a second part of product 3, by way of example, after molding, before the articulation for the first time. Figure 3C shows the same, on an enlarged scale. Here, the bridging portion 13 is shown extending between and formed integral with a second wall 14 of the first product part 2 and a first wall 15 of the second product part 3. The bridging portion

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 56/81 / 21 bridge 13, in these embodiments, is made of the same material as the first and second product parts 2, 3. In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the jumper portion 13 is in contact with a first surface 16 of the flexible blade element 12, while the second opposite surface 17 of said element 12 is free. In this embodiment, the bridging portion 13 has a substantially flat side 18 in contact with the flexible blade element 12 and an opposite substantially groove-shaped side, for example, which has a substantially V-shaped cross section in one plane perpendicular to a longitudinal geometric axis X extending perpendicular to the drawing plane of Figure 3 - C, in which said geometric axis X extends parallel to and / or coinciding with the articulating line S. Therefore, an intermediate section 19 the bridge portion 13 is thinner and therefore more likely to be cut first at the joint. This will substantially define an articulating line S for the flexible blade element 12 to flex or bend.

[0031] Figure 3B shows the same cross section of a product as in Figures 3A and C, but, after the articulation of the second part of product 3 in relation to the first part of product 2. In Figure 3B, the flexible blade element 12 has been flexed or bent over or close to the foldable or pivotable line S, while the bridge portion 13 has been broken (in said thinner part 19), significantly reducing the stiffness of the pivotable construction 4 that connects the first product part 2 to the second product part 3. The blade element 12 remains connected to the first and second product parts 2, 3.

[0032] As can be understood from the disclosure, preferably the flexible blade element 12 and the jumper portion 13 are designed and configured so that, when flexing the articulating construction 4, for example, by rotating the second part 3 in relation to the first part 2 (as, for example, in Figures 3A and B), the bridge portion 13 will be

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 57/81 / 21 cut, especially breaking, without cutting the flexible blade element 12. The jumper portion 13 can be, for example, less flexible and / or more brittle than the flexible blade element 12.

[0033] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 1A, the flexible blade element 12 is provided as a strip 12A, extending over a longitudinal length L of a second wall 14 of the first product part 2 and a first wall 15 of the second product part 3. The flexible blade element 12 bridges an interstice 20 between the first and the second product parts 2, 3. In Figures 9A to C, different alternative modalities are shown, in which, for example, are provided multiple bridge portions 13 and / or multiple blade elements 12. For example, Figure 9A shows, in a top view, a hinge construction 4 comprising three flexible blade elements 12B apart, with two bridging portions spaced 13A between them. Figure 9B shows a hinge construction in a top view, comprising three spaced jumper portions 13B, with two flexible blade elements 12C between them. Figure 9C shows an embodiment of a pivotable construction 4 comprising a strip 12A of flexible blade material, covering five spaced jumper portions 13C. Obviously, many other combinations of blade elements 12 and bridge portions 13 are possible within the scope of this disclosure.

[0034] A flexible blade element 12 in this disclosure can be produced from any malleable material and / or foldable material, such as, without limitation, paper, plastic, fabric or the like, and can be a single layer blade or can be a laminate of different layers of the same or different materials. Preferably, the flexible sheet material is biodegradable, which comprises natural materials.

[0035] The one or each jumper portion 13 is, of

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 58/81 / 21 preferably, manufactured so that, after demoulding of product 1, one or each jumper portion 13 will break when flexed at an angle in excess of 45 degrees, at least at an angle of 90 degrees , most preferably at least when flexed at an angle of about 180 degrees. The product can, in embodiments, be formed so that at least one layer of material made from said polymer based dough covering said blade material 12 is designed to break when the blade material is folded over said pivotable line S. In the modalities shown in Figures 1 to 3, one or each bridge portion 13 is substantially symmetrical in cross section (as shown in Figures 3A to 3C), so that the articulation line S is substantially in the middle of the interstice 20 between the wall parts 14 and 15. By adjusting the bridge portion (or portions) differently, the position of the pivot line S can be adjusted.

[0036] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show an alternative embodiment of a product 1 according to the disclosure, again having a first product part 2 connected to a second product part 3 by means of a hinge construction 4. The construction hinge 4, as schematically shown in enlarged view in the cross section in Figure 4A, again comprises a flexible blade element 12 connected to the first product part 2 and the second product part 3, in which a bridging portion is provided 13, which, after demoulding and before a first articulation extends over said blade element 12 and also connects to the first and second parts of product 2, 3, similar to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3. In this embodiment, however, the jumper portion 13 is designed having two thin sections 19 formed by the underside of two substantially parallel grooves 21 having a transverse section substantially V-shaped cross section. Among said grooves, a thicker elevated portion 22 is provided.

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 59/81 / 21 [0037] Again, as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, in the open position as shown in Figure 4, directly after molding, that is, before the second part of product 3 is tilted for the first time in With respect to the first product part 2, the bridging portion 13 or portions are relatively rigid compared to the flexible blade element 12, preferably rigid enough to have the ability to lift the product in a substantially horizontal position by by engaging one of the first and second parts of product 2, 3 only, without the other of the first and second parts of product 2, 3 sloping significantly in relation to the first part of product due to the force of gravity acting over said other product part. No significant slope should be understood here as at least meaning that there is not enough slope to break the bridging portion or at least one of the bridging portions. Therefore, such a bridging portion (or portions) allows, for example, easy demoulding, stacking and unstacking of open products, as well as, for example, handling, for example, by robots, in transport from such 1 to a filling station to fill the product with products to be packed in it.

[0038] When the second part of product 3 of a product 1 of

Figures 4 and 5 are tilted with respect to the first part of product 2, in order to close product 1 to the position as shown in Figure 5, the (or each) jumper portion 13 will be cut, as it breaks or tears in both thin portions 19, allowing double articulation of two substantially parallel lines of articulation S1 and S2 located at or close to said thin portions 19. As can be seen in Figure 5, in the closed position, the thicker portion 22 will extend substantially vertical when the opposite faces 23, 24 of the first and second parts 2, 3 are substantially parallel to each other in a position

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 60/81 / 21 substantially horizontal.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first part of product 2 comprises a series of ridges 25 and the second part, a series of grooves 26, so that, for example, cigarettes, pens or substantially similar cylindrical products (not shown) can be packaged in product 1.

[0040] Figure 6 shows schematically an apparatus 40 for forming products 1 according to the disclosure, with an open mold 30 for forming products 1. In this example, the mold is designed for side-by-side formation of two products 1 according to Figure 1, as well as part of a supply 31 for flexible sheet material 12, especially strips 12A of such material 12, and a transfer device 35 for transferring said strips 12A to mold 30. In that embodiment, supply 31 comprises two rollers 32, each comprising a length of said material 12. From each roll, strip 12A is fed in a guide 33 to a substantially vertical position, in front of two parallel pick-up devices 34 of the transfer device 35, which each engage a length L of strip 12A cut from the relevant roll 32.

[0041] Figures 7A and B show schematically a device

40, with an open mold 30 conventionally comprising first and second mold halves 30A and B, wherein the first mold half 30A is shown in Figure 6. Figure 7A shows the transfer device 35 in a position to capture flexible blade material 12 like strips 12A. The transfer device comprises, for example, a rail or arm system 36, with which the pickup devices 34 can be moved from the position as shown in Figure 7A to a position in Figure 7B and vice versa. During use, the capture devices 34 capture two strips 12A in the position of Figure 7A and transfer strips 12A to the position as shown in Figure 7B, in which the position of the strips

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 61/81 / 21 are transferred from the capture devices to the mold 30, especially in the position to be molded in the product, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. Then, the pickup devices 34 are moved back to the position of Figure 7A and the mold can be closed for a molding cycle in which a mass can be injected into the closed mold, which is then heated to at least crosslink polymers natural in the dough, and after that, the products can be removed from the mold, for example, with the use of ejectors (not shown) or other release systems and arrangements as known in the art. When shaping the product, blade material 12, especially 12A, is securely connected to the product.

[0042] A mold 30 according to the disclosure preferably comprises at least one retainer or retainer system 41 to hold the or each flexible blade element 12 in a fixed or at least predefined position during at least the introduction of the dough in the mold 30, especially when the dough is passed through said at least one flexible blade element 12. In Figures 8 and 8A, an embodiment of a retainer 41, which is part of a retention system 41, is shown. , the retainer 41 as shown is formed by a sharp pin 42 extending above a surface 43 forming part of a bridging portion 50 extending between a mold part 30 (2) to form the first product part 2 and a second mold part 30 (3) to form a second product part 3. Said surface 43 is designed so that the outer surface 18 of strip 12 can be placed against it. In this embodiment, the surface 43 is substantially flat, but it could be designed differently, for example, curved in the cross section. The width W of said surface 43 between the first and second product parts 2, 3 forming the portions 30 (2) and 30 (3) can, for example, be about the same width as the strip (perpendicular to the geometric axis longitudinal X). At

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 62/81 / 21

8A, the width W of the surface 43 is shown to be less than the width W12 of the strip 12A, so that the side portions 44 of the strip are folded against the wall forming portions 45, 46 of the first and second product forming parts. 30 (2) and 30 (3).

[0043] When transferring a strip 12A to the mold 30, the strip 12A is forced on the or each retainer, especially the or each pin 42, perforating the strip 12A. Thus, when released by the transfer device, the strip will be retained in the mold 30 by or each pin 42.

[0044] As can be seen in Figure 8A, the mold part 30B can be closed on the mold part 30A and, therefore, on pin 42. In embodiments, pin 42 could be shorter, so that its free sharp end 42A extends into the formed mold cavity 47. A closed mold cavity 47 is formed, bordering the strip 12A. In embodiments, the or each pin 42 can be movable in a longitudinal direction Lpin, for example, so that it can be retracted to release the product 1 with the strip 12A during demoulding or to force the pin through the strip 12A before from or during mold closing 30.

[0045] During the molding of a batter as a batter, a suspension or liquid is introduced into the mold cavity 47, through at least one introduction opening or injection point 51, preferably away from the one or each flexible blade element 12. Such at least one insertion point can, for example, be provided between the two product forming parts of a double mold as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. The dough is introduced so that it can pass over and / or under and / or beside at least part of at least one flexible blade element 12, forming one or each bridge portion 13. In alternative embodiments, a putty is introduced into the mold before or during closing, forcing the putty to fill the mold cavity 47 by closing the mold 30. In such an embodiment, the or each or at least one flexible blade element 12

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 63/81 / 21 could be supplied after supplying the dough in the mold, for example, during closing.

[0046] Alternatively or in addition to one or more pins 42 to retain strip 12A and / or other flexible blade elements 12, other retention arrangements can be provided, such as, for example, clips securing the or each flexible blade element 12 in position, for example, by holding opposite ends of the strip during molding, where the ends can be released by demoulding and / or can be cut off during demoulding. Retention means may also comprise vacuum cups and / or strips for temporarily holding a flexible blade element 12 in position. Similarly, other transfer means can be provided for placing a strip in a mold. For example, a strip can be pulled from a roll directly into the mold. In embodiments, each flexible blade element 12 can be supplied in a continuous loader from which the blade element or elements are released, for example, by transferring to the mold or by demolding a product to which the blade element or elements are connected during molding.

[0047] The invention is in no way limited to the modalities disclosed herein by way of example only. Many variations thereof are encompassed by the invention, as defined by the claims, including all combinations of features as disclosed herein.

[0048] For example, materials comprising materials other than starch can be used, such as, without limitation, tapioca. In embodiments, the products 1 according to the disclosure can have multiple articulating parts, partially or totally connected by an articulation construction as disclosed herein. A product according to the disclosure may be a product other than packaging. Parts of a product can be made from a different material. In modalities, an element

Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 64/81 / 21 flexible blade that is part of a hinge construction can extend even further in one or more, as both product forming portions, for example, to form a surface area thereof. In the embodiments shown, the or each flexible blade element is shown on an external surface area of the product. However, such a blade element could also be provided in an internal surface area of the product. In embodiments, bridging portions could be provided on both sides of a flexible blade element.

[0049] These and other such modalities are considered within the scope of the disclosure as primarily defined by the claims.

Claims (19)

1. Product manufactured using a mass comprising natural polymers, in which the product is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least a first and a second product part, connected by a joint construction, in which the joint construction comprises at least one flexible blade element and a bridge portion produced from said mass comprising natural polymers, wherein the hinge construction is designed so that, before a first hinge, at least one bridge portion forms a more rigid connection between the first and the second product parts than the flexible blade element and, by means of the hinge, said bridge portion is cut, so that the first and second parts are substantially connected only by the one or each flexible blade element. Product according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one flexible blade element is covered at least partially on at least one surface by said mass, which forms said bridging portion. Product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one blade element is formed by or comprises a flexible blade element that has a longitudinal direction, wherein at least one side of said cutting element flexible blade is covered at least partially by said bridging portion. Product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two blade elements are provided, wherein the bridging portion is provided at least partially between said blade elements and / or where at least two bridging portions are provided and at least one blade element is provided extending between said bridging portions. 5. Product according to any of the claims Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 66/81 2/5 above, characterized by the fact that each of the first and second parts of the product is or comprises a shell-shaped part connected articulably to each other by said articulation construction, so that the first part can be articulated against the second part to confine a volume defined by said shell-shaped parts, wherein said at least one blade element faces the said volume when the first part is articulated against said second part. 6. Method for manufacturing products, characterized by the fact that a mass that comprises at least natural polymers, such as starch, is introduced into a mold and the mass in the mold is heated, so that it involves at least the crosslinking of natural polymers, in that the mold comprises at least two product part forming parts, connected by a bridging portion, wherein at least one flexible blade element is placed on and / or on said bridging portion, preferably before introducing said mass into said mold, wherein said at least one flexible blade element extends at least partially in the product forming parts on either side of the bridging portion and is connected to the mass introduced into the mold, wherein , during the introduction of the dough into the mold, at least part of the dough flows over the jumper portion, over and / or beside said at least one blade element, forming pe at least one bridge portion in the product to be formed, connecting the product parts formed in said product part forming parts, wherein, preferably, the mass covers at least part of at least one surface of the blade element. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that, as a flexible sheet element, paper-based material can be used. 8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the or each blade element is retained at or near said Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 67/81 3/5 bridging portion, especially attached to at least one and, preferably, a series of pins on and / or over said bridging portion, the at least one flexible blade element retaining in position during introducing the dough into the mold. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the or each pin is positioned on or near one side of the jumper portion away from an insertion point for the dough in the mold, especially in one of the parts mold. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the mass is introduced into the mold during and / or after the mold is closed by a closure, wherein the mass is preferably injected into the mold under pressure. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the bridging portion and the at least one flexible blade element are dimensioned so that, during the introduction of the dough into the mold, the dough can flow through at least one blade element from one of said mold parts to the other of said mold parts. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the at least one blade element is provided with a roll or such supply and in which a length of blade material is placed on and / or on the bridging portion, wherein the flexible blade element is preferably cut to length and / or shape before, during and / or upon closing of the mold. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that each of the mold parts is designed to form a shell part that has a first wall portion connected to the bridging portion, wherein the or each flexible blade element is placed inside and / or on the jumper portion, Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 68/81 4/5 which has a longitudinal direction, in which the side portions of or each flexible blade element are folded over wall portions of the relevant mold parts, each designed to form a surface portion of a relevant product part formed in the same. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the or each flexible blade element is covered during the introduction of the mass by a layer of said mass, at least on one side of said blade element flexible. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the or each flexible blade element forms an articulation between said at least two parts of product, so that these at least two parts of product can be folded against each other the other, wherein said dough preferably covers at least one surface of said flexible blade element facing outward or inward when the product parts are folded against each other. 16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the at least one layer covering said at least one flexible blade element is designed to cut, especially break, when the flexible blade element is bent in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of said flexible blade element. 17. Apparatus for forming a product from a mass comprising at least natural polymers, such as starch, comprising a mold, the mold comprising at least two parts forming part of the product, connected by a bridging portion , wherein the apparatus is characterized by the fact that it comprises a system for placing at least one flexible blade element on and / or on said bridging portion, preferably before the introduction of said mass in said mold, wherein the said at least one Petition 870180140097, of 10/10/2018, p. 69/81 5/5 flexible blade element extends at least partially in the product forming parts on either side of the bridging portion, to be connected to the putty in the mold, preferably, so that the putty covers at least part of at least one surface of the flexible blade element, connecting the product parts formed in said product part forming parts. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the blade system comprises at least one roller for supplying flexible blade material and at least one blade transfer unit for transferring a flexible blade element supplied by said roller for said mold, especially within and / or on said bridging portion. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the mold comprises at least one retainer, especially at least one pin and, more preferably, a series of pins inside and / or in said connecting portion in bridge, provided so that at least one flexible blade element can be attached to said at least one pin, preferably in said series of pins.